THE PARASITE CURCULIO Cover Image

THE PARASITE CURCULIO
THE PARASITE CURCULIO

Author(s): Ewa Skwara
Subject(s): Other Language Literature, Theory of Literature, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: Roman comedy; palliata; Plautus; Curculio; the parasite; play within a play; the soldier; servus currens;

Summary/Abstract: At first glance, Curculio is no different from other Plautine parasites. However, the uniqueness of this character lies not so much in his characteristics as in the way Plautus uses him on stage. Curculio disguises himself as the soldier, and by playing the role of servus currens, he takes on the role of a slave. Moreover, by reporting off- stage conversations, he doubles as some of the other characters in the comedy. Curculio’s stage movement and its influence on the comings and goings of the other characters make one look at this character as the author of the structure of the entire comedy. Moreover, his rants about bankers and pimps make him the porte-parole of Plautus himself.

  • Issue Year: XXXIII/2023
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 139-153
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English